Serology

Serology is a subfield of immunology. Among other things, it deals with the development of specific detection methods for antigens and antibodies. This is possible because the antigen-antibody reactions are very specific.

With the help of serology, the blood serum, which is the clear liquid that separates from the blood during coagulation, can be examined in the laboratory. The serum no longer contains any blood cells, but instead still contains salts, glucose and a mixture of different proteins. Certain proteins belong to different antibodies that the body makes to protect against infection.

In certain diseases, the composition of the protein mixture changes in a characteristic way. The presence or absence of the antibodies can be detected using various laboratory methods. The plasma proteins also include enzymes and blood group factors. These determine the blood group.

The determination of enzymes in serum has become one of the most important diagnostic methods.